The Pisgah National Forest surrounds Brevard, North Carolina, creating a temperate rain forest ecosystem that receives over 90 inches of precipitation annually. At elevations ranging from 2,100 to 5,900 feet, campgrounds in this region experience significant temperature fluctuations even in summer months, often with 20-degree differences between day and night readings.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 15-minute drive from many campsites with numerous cascades beyond the popular Looking Glass Falls. "It is a hike-in campground so know that before you go, probably 1.5 mile hike so nothing crazy. The peace and quiet from being out in these woods was wonderful... The hikes to the waterfalls are easily accessible and totally worth it," notes a visitor at Gorges State Park Campground.
Mountain biking trails: Direct access from several camping areas with varying difficulty levels. A camper at The Bike Farm shares: "The staff is super cool and laid back. The trail system is awesome. It's super nice being able to bike straight from your camp and go ride. The outdoor showers are bad ass as well!"
Trout fishing: Year-round options in the Davidson River with catch-and-release sections near campgrounds. According to one visitor at North Mills River: "This is a great campsite if you like fishing! We stayed here and were close to some amazing spots to fish! The campsite was great, not very crowded. We had a great time!"
What campers like
Private sites with natural separation: Many glamping accommodations near Brevard offer secluded spots away from neighboring campsites. A camper at Lake Powhatan noted: "The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations. The showers and bathrooms were very clean. There are numerous hikes that are on the grounds or just outside."
Central location for regional exploration: Most glamping sites provide easy access to multiple outdoor destinations. "Just a stone's throw from the bustle of Asheville, yet secluded enough to forget it all, this little gem is conveniently located at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest," explains a visitor to North Mills River.
Consistently clean facilities: Even at more rustic glamping sites, bathhouses and common areas receive regular maintenance. A reviewer at Ash Grove states: "Hosts were super friendly and the campground was incredibly taken care of... The bath house was super clean and tidy. The campground was close to many hiking areas and some great restaurants in town."
What you should know
Site access varies significantly: Some glamping locations require hiking or rugged vehicle access. At Adventure Village and Lodgings: "4WD required due to steep inclines and rough road conditions. Each site had a picnic table and fire ring and some shade during different times of the day."
Cellular coverage is inconsistent: Many camping areas have limited or no phone service. "There was no Verizon service. The park is close to waterfalls and Walmart is about 15 mins away," reports an Adventure Village visitor.
Weather patterns change rapidly: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer months. A Lake Powhatan camper recommends: "Even though it's only 10 minutes or so away from the edge of Asheville, it has the feel of being much further away - including no Verizon service."
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak scheduling improves experience: Weekday visits reduce campground crowding, especially at water features. A Davidson River Campground visitor suggests: "The sites are spread out just enough to give you some privacy but close to make a quick trip to your neighbor in case you forgot something or need some help."
Multiple accommodation options: Families can choose between tent sites, RV hookups, or glamping structures at most locations. "Variety of campsites available to suit any camping style. Great for families, as there are drive up camp sites with fire pits and plenty of space, and spread out so it still feels like you have privacy," notes a camper at Table Rock State Park.
Educational opportunities abound: Rangers often lead nature programs during summer months. "The fishing hatchery is nearby and offers some wonderful opportunities to catch and release. Be sure to look in to a guided tour for a hands on experience filled with lots of educational info on local fish," advises a Davidson River camper.
Tips from RVers
Elevation changes affect driving: Many roads to glamping sites in Brevard feature steep grades and tight turns. As one RVer at Gorges State Park warns: "The last 10 miles out of Brevard were curvy and had some grades. And the last 2 miles into the campground had I would guess a couple of 10% grades both up and down."
Generator restrictions vary: Some glamping sites limit generator use to specific hours. "The only downside was that generator hours are very limited. If you are traveling during warmer months or must have AC, this is not the site for you. We felt that the tree coverage really provided us protection from the heat and did very well without AC in early August," explains a Davidson River visitor.
Dump stations are limited: Not all glamping accommodations offer full-service hookups. "I rated a 4 star because the dump site is very tight, and lacking. That was the only thing on this campground I feel needed some work," notes another Davidson River camper.
